Featured Article

Kentucky Derby 2015 - History Continues on May 2,
2015

Are you ready
for the most exciting two
minutes in sports? The tradition
continues on May 2, 2015 with
the 141st running of the
Kentucky Derby. Since its
inception, the race has thrilled
millions of people. Officials
made some changes to the
qualification process this year
that will make the Derby even
more exciting.

Before the big race, a two week
Kentucky Derby Festival takes
place with events for the whole
family. Then, as usual, the race
will take place on the first
Saturday in May 2015. On the big
day, the contenders will line-up
to race around a 1.25 mile
track. Only one horse and jockey
will win. The stakes are high
this year, but it is set to be
one of the best races yet.

Whether you want to learn more about
the Kentucky Derby schedule or how to buy tickets, we
have you covered. We also have information on placing
bets on Kentucky Derby 2015, including
odds and a list of current
contenders. We even have
a page on real life horse racing stories, ten tales of
true luck.

Qualification Process

Before we get into more information about the race,
we need to talk about the qualification process for the
2015 Kentucky Derby. This qualification system is in its
second year after debuting in 2013 to mixed reviews. The
number of qualifying stakes races has been lowered from
185 to only 36, which should create a more competitive
starting field. The move has generated a lot of buzz
online and in the media and so far the 'jury is still
out' as to whether or not it's good for the Kentucky
Derby and the sport as a whole.

Additionally, a new
points system was implemented in
2013 as part of the
qualification redesign. Now, the
top 3-year-olds will take on
more challenging assignments
leading up to Derby Day. Like
the other elements of the new
qualification system most horse
betting experts are taking a
'wait and see attitude' as to
the significance of the changes
and especially if it will change
the odds for some of the top
contenders.

Placing Bets
on the 2015 Kentucky Derby

The first thing you need to know is
that there are many different types of bets you can
place on horses in the Kentucky Derby. From choosing the
winner to picking the top three horses who finish, you
have a lot of options when it comes to
Kentucky Derby betting. Of
course, the easier bets are going to pay less. The good
news is you can wager as much as you like as many times
as you want before the big race. If you have more than
one favorite horse, you can spread your money around a
little and wager on different horses.

Kentucky Derby 2015 Tickets

As always, getting tickets to the
Derby early is important. People from all walks of life
are welcomed to the festivities, but the better seats -
like Millionaire's Row - are going to cost a lot more
money. Prices for licensing good seats may range from
$2,000 to $60,000 or more - and this doesn't even
include the price of the actual tickets. This shows how
much people are willing to pay to be a part of this
event. Fortunately, a lot less expensive
Kentucky Derby tickets also
exist.

2015 Kentucky Derby Schedule

Whether you plan to go to the Kentucky
Derby or just watch it or read about the results online,
you need to know the complete schedule this year. On
Saturday, May 2nd, gates will open at 8 a.m. The post
time for the first race is set at 10:30 AM. The post
time for the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby will be
6:24 PM - approximately. If you are not going to be
there in person, we also have a complete television
schedule for the Derby so
you can make sure you catch all of the action wherever
you are in the world.

History of the Kentucky Derby

The first Kentucky Derby was held on
May 17, 1875 on a track Meriweather Lewis Clark built in
1874. Aristides was the first horse to win. Jockey
Oliver Lewis was one of thirteen African American
jockeys (out of sixteen total) who raced in the first
Derby. Records indicate around 10,000 people gathered
for the first Kentucky Derby. (Compare that with over a
hundred thousand people who attend today - and the
millions who watch the event around the world.)

Another interesting fact is that the
first track was 1.5 miles long. It was later shortened
to 1.25 miles, the length of the race today. The quarter
mile difference really makes a difference believe it or
not. The changes in 2015 to the qualification process
may also be bigger than some people realize as well. The
more you know about the history of the Kentucky Derby,
the more you will be able to enjoy the race.

Kentucky Derby Traditions

Over the years, many different
traditions have developed around the Kentucky Derby.
From fancy hats to mint juleps, if you are going to
participate fully, you need to know as much about the
entire history of the Derby, including fashion trends
that have popped up over the years. Knowing more about
the race can enhance your enjoyment - almost but not as
much as placing bets on the results of the race. Keeping
on top of proper Kentucky Derby etiquette is also
recommended.

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